--- title: "Thumbs Up Designs for Kitchens & Baths — Kitchen & Bath Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/thumbs-up-designs-for-kitchens-and-baths-pfvwus-pf~1703065125 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1703065125.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Thumbs Up Designs for Kitchens & Baths" category: ["Kitchen & Bath Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5873055d00ad0a06_6585-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "126 East Main st., Rochester, Illinois 62563, United States" latitude: 39.7182 longitude: -89.5649 phone: "(217) 498-5906" website: http://www.thumbs-updesigns.com rating: 5 review_count: 15 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 81 last_updated: 2026-09-30 --- # Thumbs Up Designs for Kitchens & Baths Original Houzz profile: [Thumbs Up Designs for Kitchens & Baths](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/thumbs-up-designs-for-kitchens-and-baths-pfvwus-pf~1703065125) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Kitchen & Bath Designers - **Location:** Rochester, IL - **Serves:** Springfield, Jacksonville, Chatham, Taylorville, Auburn, Sherman, Rochester, Riverton, Pawnee, Jerome, Southern View, Grandview, Leland Grove, Kincaid, Divernon, Edinburg, Spaulding, Mechanicsburg, Tovey, Dawson, Clear Lake, Buffalo, Bulpitt, Jeisyville, Glenarm, Lowder - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (15 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2014–2019), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Family Owned & Operated Kitchen & Bath design firm. ### Services Provided - Kitchen Design - Custom Cabinets - Bathroom Design - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Custom Bathroom Vanities - 3D Rendering - Custom Countertops - Home Additions - Custom Pantries - Lighting Design - Laundry Room Design - Project Management - Floor Plans - Universal Design - Home Extensions - Custom Walk-in Closets - Pantry Design - Sustainable Design - Basement Design - Handicap-Accessible Design - Drafting - Vanity Installation - Wine Cellar Design - Custom Cabinet Doors - Kitchen Remodeling - Bathroom Remodeling - Remodeling - cabinetry - countertops - design - granite countertops - material selection - office design - quartz countertops - wood countertops ### Areas Served - Springfield - Jacksonville - Chatham - Taylorville - Auburn - Sherman - Rochester - Riverton - Pawnee - Jerome - Southern View - Grandview - Leland Grove - Kincaid - Divernon - Edinburg - Spaulding - Mechanicsburg - Tovey - Dawson - Clear Lake - Buffalo - Bulpitt - Jeisyville - Glenarm - Lowder ### Typical Job Cost $0 - 30 Thumbs Up Designs sells many lines of cabinetry to help us meet your budget. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Thumbs Up Designs for Kitchens & Baths | | Address | 126 East Main st., Rochester, Illinois 62563, United States | | Phone | (217) 498-5906 | | Website | http://www.thumbs-updesigns.com | | Followers on Houzz | 81 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thumbs-Up-Designs/159132134111816?hc\_location=timeline - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/dobieg3 - Blog — http://www.thumbs-updesigns.com ## Offers (DEMO) OFFERS _(DEMO) DISCLAIMER_ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Thumbs Up Designs for Kitchens & Baths](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/thumbs-up-designs-for-kitchens-and-baths-pfvwus-pf~1703065125) - **Website:** http://www.thumbs-updesigns.com - **Phone:** (217) 498-5906 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - CKD, CBD,ASID,NCIDQ - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2014–2019), for Service. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Interior Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-interior-designers-pfvwus-pf~1510192642) - [National Kitchen & Bath Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-kitchen-and-bath-association-pfvwus-pf~1351084655) - [NCIDQ Examination](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncidq-examination-pfvwus-pf~882083937) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 15 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Catherine, Dec. 2018** > Curt, with support from Josh, designed and oversaw a complex kitchen remodel in a historic home for us with grace, humor, patience and consummate professionalism. We wanted a kitchen that looked like it had always been here (even though we were doubling its size), and though we couldn’t quite figure out how to do it, I had extremely particular ideas about how it should look. (I insisted on slotted screws in the cabinet latches, if that gives you any idea, because Phillips heads are too recent and look wrong to me.) Curt went back to the drawing board more times than I can count, tweaking until we had it right, and his knowledge of all things kitchen was invaluable as we tracked down just the right elements for the period look. The team of contractors he suggested at the initial bid stage, too, either were already or have since become our go-to contractors, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of them. > > Most important to me, though, was the support he provided to us after the design was largely completed. He devoted countless hours to stopping by to check in on the contractors and answer questions, accompanying me to pick slabs of stone, helping to manage the project, and coming up with out-of-the-box solutions to keep things moving. More than the (less-experienced) GC, Curt really managed the project. (He told me at the outset the project would take six months, though the GC thought three - Curt was right.) It was Curt who looked around one day and decided it was finally feasible and time to set up a temporary kitchen sink for us. And, when we discovered (five months into construction) that the cabinet company had not built four of the largest cabinets precisely to his drawings, Curt never once suggested the cabinets were “close enough” with their drawer/door proportions slightly off what he and I had agonized over. Instead, he and Josh immediately set about moving heaven and earth to get it fixed, and promptly. I absolutely adore these guys. > > Never having remodeled anything on this scale before, I cannot overstate how much I appreciated knowing that Curt and Josh were watching over the project, and taking care of us. I hope never to live through six months of construction again, but if I have to, there is absolutely no doubt whom I would call. **★★★★★ — D Ragan, Dec. 2018** > Thumbs Up Designs just completed a complete gut, redesign and installation of our kitchen and family room fireplace wall, and it is amazing. These guys are top notch! They were able to take my needs and wishes for the area and make my dreams reality! They were very easy to deal with and I would recommend them highly! **★★★★★ — Jackie Schneider Hansen, Dec. 2017** > I am currently working on a third kitchen and bath project with Josh and Curt. I honestly can relax with them in charge. I have worked mainly with Josh and he is an experienced perfectionist in this field. He is honest in his quality cabinet comparisons and works diligently to find exactly what I want within my budget. He has gone above and beyond on each project by drawing multiple plans and helping me find the perfect flow throughout adjoining rooms under construction. He has assisted me with lighting, wall colors, flooring and almost anything I could ask of him. There is nothing left to the imagination when viewing your project on his computer. You will be able to see into that room as well as nearby rooms and in and out of the windows.. It's amazing. The customer service top notch. Josh has delivered samples to me at a local hospital when I couldn't leave a family member, taken me to look at projects to help me visualize, hooked me up with other specialists that I need and has spent hours going above and beyond what he needed to in order to make my project better. He makes multiple visits at the project site and works with the contractor to be certain there will be no "do overs" from improper measurement. I thought, at first, that I could get a better price at big box stores in their special order department. When comparing apples to apples that isn't the case, especially when factoring the customer service, which continues long after the sale. Thumbs Up deals with quality brands and can replace a piece if damage occurs years later. Josh has been by my side every step of the way each time we have worked together. He educates me and is very patient. The whole package is hard to beat. **★★★★★ — Lisa Talley, Nov. 2017** > So happy with the design & help from Josh & Thumbs Up. From start to finish Josh was always involved & took care of all the details. A pleasure to work with. **★★★★★ — doc6, March 2017** > We remodeled ou kitchen. Could not have been more pleased with designs, products offered/recommended, contractors he used. Josh was very professional in very casual manner. It was a great experience would use him in again and highly recommend Thumbs Up! **★★★★★ — groescsj, Oct. 2016** > Thumbs Up Designs created a kitchen design which took ALL of our wishes into consideration. As we had been saving and dreaming about a new space for 9 years, our wish list had grown to be quite long! Patiently and methodically, Josh worked through the list, offering helpful suggestions through each step of design and installation. We are thrilled with the results as we now have a kitchen which functions well for the specific needs of our family, boasts cabinetry which will stand up through years of heavy use, and makes our 25+ year old home feel brand new. This family owned company gets a resounding "thumbs up!" **★★★★★ — usenamealreadytaken, Nov. 2014** > Curt is resourceful, creative, well informed, & listens carefully to his clients. He goes the extra mile to make the Clients Dream become reality. He's not afraid to tell his clients when he feels they have unrealistic expectations or are making a bad choice. His business has succeeded (& will continue to succeed) because of the referrals from satisfied clients. **★★★★★ — dramamama50, July 2014** > Great design, sensible, quality, good value ideas! We are so pleased that we found this company. Excellent customer service. We had three estimates for cabinets, granite, built ins, etc. these folks gave us the best plan and options to fit our budget. Excellent in every regard. **★★★★★ — lewisag1, Dec. 2013** > Curt & Josh have been great to work with. Our 1914 sears home has been updated with a new retro kitchen and baths. The kitchen cabinets are beautiful and the baths have turned out really well in keeping with the craftsman style theme. **★★★★★ — lisamcclure67, Sept. 2013** > The opportunity to work with Thumbs Up Design was an amazing experience. Our kitchen remodeling project exceeded our expectations. Josh Gillis our designer was with us every step of the way. Not only was the design outstanding and beautiful Josh also provided outstanding customer service. We will definitely use Thumbs Up for our future remodel projects. **★★★★★ — laandjay, Sept. 2013** > Thumbs up Designs did an excellent job on my kitchen remodel. Josh, my designer, spend a LOT of time coming up with a plan that would suit my needs taking into account my personality and perfectionism. I was always able to reach him- can't ever remember having to leave a message. He was on top of the project at all times. He was juggling a lot of projects at the time, but was still able to keep the remodel going. He seemed to have a great working relationship with all the subcontractors. All of which were top notch. He reminded me several times that if I have a future issue with the cabinets he would address it. The budget was pretty much on target, except when I made changes. I really liked his enthusiasm, high energy, and attention to detail. Thumbs Up Design is definitely an upscale design company. **★★★★★ — cathwood24, Sept. 2013** > I have done two bathroom remodels and a kitchen remodel with Thumbs Up Design. I am thrilled with the results. The creativity of the design staff, as well as their understanding of my lifestyle and my tastes produced three beautiful, functional rooms. They are a pleasure to work with and their oversight as general contractors on the jobs kept everything running smoothly. Two Thumbs Up!! ## Selected projects - [Springfield Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/springfield-kitchen-pj-vj~2358373) - Location: Springfield, IL - Photos: 8 - [Ashland Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ashland-kitchen-pj-vj~2344039) - Location: Ashland, IL - Photos: 5 - [Past Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/past-kitchens-pj-vj~115632) - Location: Springfield, IL - Photos: 55 - Description: Various kitchen projects that we have done recently of different colors & flavors of wood species. - [Rochester IL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rochester-il-pj-vj~2356669) - Location: Rochester, IL - Photos: 6 - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bathrooms-pj-vj~115638) - Location: Springfield, IL - Photos: 12 - [Other rooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/other-rooms-pj-vj~115702) - Location: Springfield, IL - Photos: 6 - [Petersburg Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/petersburg-master-bath-pj-vj~2359078) - Location: Petersburg, IL - Photos: 4 - [Project Renderings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/project-renderings-pj-vj~123923) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [Showroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/showroom-pj-vj~115639) - Location: Rochester, IL - Photos: 9 - Description: Wood Mode, Dura Supreme, Kabinart& Smithport Cabinetry Dealer. - [Springfield,Il](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/springfield-il-pj-vj~2356684) - Location: Springfield, IL - Photos: 18 - [Chatham Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chatham-kitchen-pj-vj~2356691) - Location: Chatham, IL - Photos: 5 - [Rochester Outdoor Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rochester-outdoor-kitchen-pj-vj~115660) - Location: Rochester, IL - Photos: 1 - [Bathroom Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bathroom-ideas-pj-vj~1935074) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Springfield Sauna](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/springfield-sauna-pj-vj~118206) - Location: Springfield, IL - Photos: 3 - Description: This basement bathroom has a walk in shower next to sauna with window between the two. - [Lake Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-project-pj-vj~6439416) - Location: Springfield, IL - Photos: 7 - [ERA BY BRIDGEWOOD](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/era-by-bridgewood-pj-vj~6069324) - Location: Not specified - [Springfield, Il Grey 2 Tone Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/springfield-il-grey-2-tone-kitchen-pj-vj~5492161) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Rochester](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rochester-pj-vj~5354656) - Location: Rochester, IL - Photos: 5 - [Springfield, Il](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/springfield-il-pj-vj~4414456) - Location: Springfield, IL - Photos: 14 [See all 19 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/thumbs-up-designs-for-kitchens-and-baths-pfvwus-pf~1703065125) ## Ideabooks - [Countertops](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/101126405/list/countertops) — 9 ideas - [Grey Cabinetry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/101126223/list/grey-cabinetry) — 7 ideas - [other rooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/84087991/list/other-rooms) — 1 idea - [Tile Backsplash](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17427344/list/tile-backsplash) — 11 ideas - [Fireplace](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20960390/list/fireplace) — 15 ideas - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/77606568/list/bathrooms) — 7 ideas - [Latest Project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/73815998/list/latest-project) — 9 ideas - [Kitchen ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6747289/list/kitchen-ideas) — 7 ideas - [Customers Liked ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23901038/list/customers-liked-ideas) — 10 ideas - [Great Backsplash ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/56946382/list/great-backsplash-ideas) — 5 ideas - [Deck ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25987344/list/deck-ideas) — 1 idea - [Chalk board Panels!](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23383366/list/chalk-board-panels) — 2 ideas - [Tile Showers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17427357/list/tile-showers) — 5 ideas - [Great Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5558537/list/great-ideas) — 10 ideas - [Flooring](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17427360/list/flooring) — 4 ideas - [door styles](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6169071/list/door-styles) — 15 ideas - [Zen Like Spa ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5600889/list/zen-like-spa-ideas) — 4 ideas [See all 17 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/joshua-gillis) ## Community Q&A **Q: what's the quartz brand/name?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Difinity Quartz brand color is Crestola. **Q: Honed or polished marble on kitchen counters?** *(in Design Dilemma)* Do they perform equally or is honed more recommended for durability? Does honed look just as nice as polished??? A: A home owner can fix a stain in honed marble (scotch brite & comet cleaner) with a polished marble you have to have a stone professional resurface your counter top. **Q: Who makes this ice maker** *(in Photo Questions)* We want an Sonic Ice maker but we'd like an paneled from like this one. A: Most ice makers have a model to receive a panel? FYI there is not one in this picture. **Q: What material are these cabinets made out of?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Sorry these are a laminate veneered cabinet. Let me know if you want specific brand/ & Color **Q: BEAUTIFUL! What is the size of the island, and the size of this space?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: 15' x 18' Roughly **Q: beautiful bath...** *(in Photo Questions)* can I ask you what tile you used on the floor and what is cabinet countertop? thanks! A: The tops were granite. I can check job notes to find actual granite name, this material varies by slab as do most. The home owner found there own tile, I will put a call in to her to find manufacturer of tile. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-30.*